Next phase of work to improve junction set to start

David Sedgwick

Work to improve a key junction in North Tyneside is entering its next phase.

The second phase of North Tyneside Council’s £7.2m Coast Road Improvement scheme is due to begin on Thursday.

The first phase involved creating two eastbound traffic lanes along Beach Road to the A192 Tynemouth Pool roundabout along with a new footpath and cycleway.

The second phase, due for completion early next year, will see the Billy Mill roundabout replaced by a junction with traffic signals.

The council’s partner Capita is responsible for managing the delivery of both phases of the project.

The initial work involves installing underground ducts in the area of the junction, which will carry the cables for the traffic signals.

It will mean the following daily off-peak – 9.30am to 3.30pm – lane closures next to Billy Mill roundabout:

• Coast Road eastbound reduced to one lane for around three days;

• Coast Road westbound reduced to one lane for around three days;

• Footpath width reduced for around four days where Regent Terrace joins the Coast Road;

• Regent Terrace bypass lane and Coast Road westbound inside lane closed for around two days. Vehicles joining the Coast Road from Regent Terrace will need to use Billy Mill roundabout instead of the bypass lane.

An enforceable 30mph speed limit will be in place between Norham Road Bridge and Billy Mill roundabout while there are lane restrictions on the Coast Road.

Works to remove Billy Mill roundabout are expected to begin on Monday, July 18, and continue for up to five weeks.

The roundabout will be reduced to one lane and there will be lane reductions at each approach except at Regent Terrace.

Coun John Harrison, cabinet member for housing and transport, said: “We are investing heavily to keep traffic moving along the Coast Road, reduce travel times and, most importantly, make journeys safer.

“We will be carrying out the most disruptive works – the removal of Billy Mill roundabout – during the school summer holidays to try and minimise the impact on the public as much as possible.

“However we still expect significant delays for road users, particularly during busier times, and would advise people to allow extra time for their journeys or use public transport.

“We would like to thank the public for their continued patience throughout this important work and remind people to sign up to our e-bulletin for regular updates.”